What to do before you sell your home
If you’re buying or selling a home, a REALTOR® is the best choice to handle the real estate transaction.
An estimated 85 percent of real estate transactions occur with the help of a REALTOR®. An NAR survey of recent home buyers and sellers found that sellers using a REALTOR ® fetched a median home price that was 16 percent higher -- $230,000 vs. $198,200.
A REALTOR® is the best option. Relying on a REALTORS® experience makes financial sense: Your REALTOR®:
Gives you up-to-date information on what’s happening in the market and the price, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties
Markets your property to other real estate agents and the public
Recommends repairs or upgrades that make it a lot easier to sell your home
Gets the word out about your property to other agents
Knows when, where and how to advertise your property
Screens homebuyers and leads the tours through the house
Deals with all that paperwork and the technical questions.
Choosing a REALTOR®
Interview at least three REALTORS® before deciding
Choose a REALTOR® with experience
Ask for referrals and follow up on them
Talk to past clients
Don’t just settle for the REALTOR® asking for the lowest commission. You wouldn’t go for the least expensive surgeon if your life depended on it, so why go cheap on such a major investment?
Find a REALTOR®
Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan
Before you sell your home get pre-approved by a lender so you will know how much you will need for your replacement home.
Check Your Mortgage
Call your mortgage broker or bank and check the payoff amount for your loan.
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. Add a few flowers for a warm touch.
A freshly painted or freshly scrubbed front door is more welcoming.
Clean up the living room, the bathroom and the kitchen.
Bathrooms sell homes. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, bath rugs and shower curtains.
Get rid of clutter especially if your home is small. Remove personal items so that the home looks more neutral.
If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint’s fading, consider some minor redecoration.
Fresh wallpaper and paint adds charm and value to your property.
Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look "with a little work."
